Invisible braces (also known as Invisalign) can make a drastic improvement in the look and feel of your smile.
Over time and with the use of multiple aligners fitted to your mouth, invisible braces can change the look of your teeth all while remaining relatively inconspicuous. This discrete method of braces is great for those who are older, or who may not feel comfortable or open to wearing traditional braces.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign usually requires the wearer to be more responsible and properly manage their aligners in between regular check-ups with the dentist.
If you neglect to properly wear your Invisalign aligners, you may not get the desired result of your treatment, or you may even have to wear the aligners for longer than intended.
In order to get the best results from your invisible braces, we’ve compiled some of the tips that you should be aware of in your journey to a beautiful smile.
Floss Daily and Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Of course, the first step to a great, big smile is keeping your teeth and gums healthy and clean. It is extremely important to floss and brush your teeth every day during the course of your Invisalign treatment. This is because leftover food can stay in your aligner trays overnight and cause excess plaque and buildup. Keep mouthwash handy so that you can rinse your mouth thoroughly throughout the day.
As well as keeping your mouth clean, remember to clean your actual Invisalign aligners and trays so that they don’t retain bacteria or lead to bacteria growth. You can do this with denture cleaner or regular antibacterial soap. Just don’t use toothpaste, as it can be harsh on the braces and cause potential damage.
Drink Water and Stay Healthy
Your overall health is important to the process of Invisalign braces.
The braces may cause your mouth to produce excess saliva, which can lead to dehydration.
Take care of yourself by drinking even more water than you usually do, and consider altering your diet to remove sticky, sugary foods that may stick to your teeth and cause further plaque and tartar buildup.
You may find that your diet changes naturally with Invisalign as eating and snacking become a conscious effort that involves removing your aligners, cleaning your mouth after eating, and then putting them back in. Remember to cultivate healthy habits and routines for the best results, and try to keep your body healthy throughout the whole process.
Change Aligners On Time
It is definitely wise to listen to the advice of your orthodontist and change your aligners only when they tell you to.
You can’t (and shouldn’t) try to speed up the process by putting in new aligners ahead of time. Be patient with the process and stick it through so that you can enjoy proper, long-lasting, beautiful results that are easily maintained.
Keep the Old Aligners
Just in case you lose or damage your current aligners, hold on to the previous set and don’t be so quick to get rid of them when transitioning to new ones.
Replacement sets may take some time to get to you if something goes wrong with your current set, so it is best to have a back-up in place so that your teeth don’t resort to their former position.
It’s also a good idea to carry your retainer case (or an extra one) with you at all times so that you have a designated spot to keep your current aligner when not in use.
Follow Instructions and Wear Regularly
Always, always, always follow the instructions of your dentist or orthodontist when it comes to your treatment plan.
This usually means wearing your aligners for at least 22 out of the 24 hours of the day. This is the best way to ensure that Invisalign will work for you!
Be consistent and, to be safe, only take out your aligners when you have to brush, floss, or eat. Don’t skip or miss appointments with your orthodontist so that they can accurately keep track of your progress and make sure your treatment is going according to plan.
Ensure You are Ready for Some Responsibility
Understand that Invisalign requires a bit more responsibility from the wearer than traditional braces.
It’s a good idea to have a talk with your orthodontist before you commit so that you can understand what the process of invisible braces entails. If you have trouble keeping a routine and doing things on time, or if you just don’t have the capacity for extra responsibility, then Invisalign may not be the best course of action for you.
Your teeth and gums are important and deserve the proper care and attention. Here at Bristol Dental, we will examine your oral health and progress every step of the way if you choose to do Invisalign with us.
For more information on invisible braces and orthodontic dentistry in Mississauga and the GTA, please call Bristol Dental at 866-623-9216 or contact us here.
We are not just your average orthodontists. We look deeper to take care of your oral health and hygiene beneath the surface. Contact us today for more information on our services, and to learn how we can help you get on track for a brighter, more beautiful smile.
[…] you will most likely get used to the new sensation and pressure over time. However, since Invisalign applies less pressure to the teeth than traditional braces, they are seen as the more comfortable […]